New Jersey is home to a network of roads and highways that measures more than 85,000 road miles. Despite technological improvements in automobiles and standards, there were still more than 530 fatal car accidents across the state in 2020.
Naturally, each county has its own track record when it comes to road safety, and some counties are far more dangerous for motorists than others. The most dangerous counties for motorists in New Jersey in 2020 were as follows:
- Middlesex – 61 accidents, 67 fatalities
- Burlington – 38 accidents, 40 fatalities
- Atlantic – 38 accidents, 40 fatalities
- Essex – 37 accidents, 43 fatalities
- Bergen – 37 accidents, 42 fatalities
Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents in New Jersey
Almost every car accident in New Jersey that results in the loss of life involves preventable circumstances. The most common cause of fatal car accidents in New Jersey are as follows:
- Distracted Driving
The leading cause of fatal car accidents today is distracted driving. Every time a driver attempts to eat, text, or use a smartphone while driving, it takes their attention away from the road for at least 5 seconds.
- Driving Under the Influence
Substances like alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and some prescription medications inhibit a driver’s ability to drive. It is illegal to drive while under the influence, and it often results in fatal car accidents.
- Speeding
The faster a vehicle is traveling, the less control the driver has over the vehicle when they encounter unexpected situations on the road.
- Reckless Driving
Unsafe lane changes, swerving between lanes, and failing to obey traffic signs is dangerous and puts everyone else on the road at risk.
- Bad Weather Conditions
Rain, snow, and fog can cause unsafe road conditions and poor visibility. When a driver fails to use extreme caution, slow down, and keep safe distances in poor weather conditions, they also fail to keep themselves and others safe.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Car Accident in New Jersey
Perhaps the only thing worse than losing a loved one is losing them as a result of preventable circumstances. If you have lost a loved one in New Jersey because of someone else’s negligence or carelessness, you should consult with a New Jersey wrongful death attorney to discuss your legal options.
The untimely death of a loved one can have a huge effect on your life. You may be left with huge medical bills, loss of income and support, loss of companionship, and loss of direction and guidance, as well as a great deal of emotional distress.
If you are a surviving spouse, child, grandchild, parent, sibling, niece, nephew, or dependent of the deceased, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim against the person or persons responsible for the accident that resulted in the death of your loved one.
Filing a wrongful death claim after the death of a loved one will allow you to:
- Hold the wrongdoer(s) accountable for the needless and preventable death of your loved one; and
- Recover the compensation that you and your family need and deserve, for both your economic and non-economic losses. This includes, but is not limited to:
- The deceased’s final medical bills.
- Funeral and burial expenses.
- Loss of financial support.
- Loss of comfort, care, companionship, and guidance.
- Punitive damages.
If you have lost a loved one to a fatal car accident in New Jersey, our East Orange wrongful death lawyers can help you obtain the compensation that you and your family are entitled to recover.
Contact a Wrongful Death Accident Attorney in New Jersey
Our personal injury car accident lawyers handle a wide variety of wrongful death lawsuits, including those involving fatal car accidents. We have helped countless individuals recover millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements.
If someone you know has been killed in a fatal car accident in New Jersey, call us to arrange a free consultation with an experienced New Jersey wrongful death attorney. We sympathize with your loss and are here to help.